He was born January 4, 1938 at Ashton, Kansas the oldest son of Hugh and Ila (Martin) Burkhart. Gary grew up in Conway Springs area where the family was involved in the newspaper business for the Wichita Eagle Beacon for many years. Gary attended Conway Springs public schools and graduated from Conway Springs High School with the class of 1958.

Gary was united in marriage to Margaret Louise (Ochs) on August 4, 1980 and to this union a daughter Michelle Lee was born.

Gary began working for Safeway in Topeka, KS before transferring to Phoenix, AZ. He later returned to the Kansas City area and worked for worked for Western Electric in Lee's Summit, MO as an assembler for 26 years.

He also worked as a bumper painter for DuPont in Kansas City, KS for 5 years before moving home to Conway Springs in 2002. Gary had multiple businesses in lawn service and snow removal in Kansas City. He also had rental homes in both Kansas City and the Conway Springs area.

Gary was active in the United Methodist Church, Conway Springs, where he served on various committees and took care of the grounds. He and Margaret were a part of the Square Dance world in both Kansas City and Wichita. Gary had a strong political interest and had recently been elected to the Conway Springs City Council last month. He was an avid sports fan and followed both college and CSHS sports events.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father Howard Thornburg; one brother Gerald Wayne Burkhart.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Burkhart of the home; one daughter Michelle Schmieding and husband Tom of Wichita, Kansas; one step-son Jim Copeland of Wichita, Kansas; two sisters: Gladys Clark and husband Roy of Clearwater, Kansas; Glenda Buchee and husband Harry of Wichita, Kansas; one grandson Owen Lee and a number of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Conway Springs Cemetery with Pastor Edmond Thomas, officiating. Interment was in Conway Springs Cemetery, Conway Springs, Kansas. Arrangements were by Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs, KS. On line condolences and guest book are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

A memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church, Conway Springs, Kansas.